Bohemian Shepherd
About the Bohemian Shepherd
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 19-22" |
| Weight | 35-55 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Bohemian Shepherds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
- Guard Dog
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Bohemian Shepherd
The story behind the Bohemian Shepherd
Dogs of this type worked the Chodsko region of western Bohemia, where the Chod people served as border guards for the Czech crown from the medieval period, using the dogs for guarding, patrolling and herding. Historical references to black-and-tan long-coated dogs in the region reach back several centuries, though continuity with the modern breed is not fully documented. The old population faded once the border role ended, and by the twentieth century very few remained. Czech breeders undertook a reconstruction programme from the 1980s onward, gathering dogs of traditional type and establishing a standard and studbook. National recognition followed, with wider international acceptance in progress. The Bohemian Shepherd remains rare, kept as a working, sport and companion dog mainly within the Czech Republic.
Originally bred for: Herding, Guarding, Watchdog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Bohemian Shepherd
An active medium herding breed keeps condition on quality adult food scaled to daily workload, with more energy for sport or working dogs. The thick double coat hides body condition, so weight should be checked by hand, and puppies benefit from steady rather than rapid growth.
Watch for: Nothing resembling a breed-specific food sensitivity is recorded for this reconstructed Czech breed. Long-coated dogs occasionally show irritation around the muzzle and ears that reflects hygiene rather than ingredients. Persistent itching calls for a veterinary opinion ahead of any home elimination trial.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Bohemian Shepherd
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.